A newly constructed ferry terminal at Karachi Port Trust has been inaugurated by Federal Minister for Maritime Affairs Muhammad Junaid Anwar Chaudhry, marking the formal launch phase of Pakistan’s first international ferry service. The project is positioned as part of broader efforts to support coastal and regional connectivity and to expand the country’s blue economy framework.
At the ceremony, the minister outlined that the introduction of ferry operations reflected a long-standing objective to establish modern, safe and environmentally sustainable maritime passenger transport in Pakistan. He confirmed the soft launch of a ferry link between Karachi and Iran’s Chabahar Port, representing the first service of its kind in the country.
According to officials, operations are expected to commence in the third week of January. The inaugural sailing from Karachi is planned to carry up to 240 passengers, with an estimated voyage time of 12 to 14 hours. The service is scheduled to operate 3 round trips per week, with the fare set at Rs50,000 per passenger for a return journey.
The minister indicated that the ferry initiative aligns with the prime minister’s policy direction of leveraging maritime assets to diversify economic activity. He characterised the service as a transport link with wider implications for tourism development, regional integration and commercial exchange.
It was noted during the event that the ferry licence issued for this service is the first of its kind in Pakistan. The establishment of a dedicated ferry terminal was described as a measure intended to strengthen confidence among private investors and demonstrate the government’s intention to create a supportive operating environment for maritime ventures.
Chaudhry further stated that the Ministry of Maritime Affairs, together with its associated bodies and port authorities, is pursuing regulatory reforms, infrastructure improvements and public-private partnership models to increase the maritime sector’s contribution to national economic output. He added that interest had already been expressed by several business groups seeking licences to operate additional ferry services, suggesting potential growth in maritime tourism and related employment sectors.
The minister also encouraged investors to submit proposals involving Pakistani ports, assuring institutional support from the ministry. In addition, he announced that the Port Qasim Authority is preparing plans for a modern industrial zone designed to offer international-standard infrastructure, with the aim of supporting export growth and port-led industrial development.
The inauguration was attended by senior representatives from the Ministry of Maritime Affairs, Karachi Port Trust, and members of the shipping and business communities, who viewed the terminal and ferry project as a step towards strengthening Pakistan’s maritime capabilities and utilisation of its coastal resources.